By Miguel Rapetti
08 Apr 2024, 19:41 PM EDT
The frustration generated this Monday by Al-Nassr’s 2-1 defeat as a visitor to Al Hilal in the semi-finals of the Saudi Arabia Super Cup hit hard on Cristiano Ronaldo, who was expelled from the match and had a reaction never seen before against the main referee.
With the partial 2-0 defeat after the goals of the local Salem Al-Dawsari and the Brazilian Malcom, and without the ability to react, Ronaldo took out his frustration on the player Saud Abdulhamid, whom he attacked after the Al-Hilal player against the attempted execution of a quick throw-in to try to reduce the disadvantage.
The Portuguese striker pushed Abdulhamid and his actions were seen by the match’s referee squad, who informed the principal and he showed him a straight red card close to the 90-minute mark.
What was surprising was Ronaldo’s reaction, who while the referee’s back was turned raised his right fist as if he were trying to hit him, which unleashed multiple criticisms both in those present and on social networks.
Later, before leaving, he slapped the referee a couple of times on the back in an ironic manner and left his captain’s armband for another member of Al-Nassr.
The expulsion, which was the eleventh that Cristiano suffered in his career, would not be the only sanction he faces, because his raised fist could bring him more serious consequences that would translate into both financial fines and suspensions for several games.
With little time on the board (99′) and without Ronaldo on the field, Sadio Mané scored a goal for what was ultimately a 2-1 final score.
Watch the video of Cristiano Ronaldo’s attack here:
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